Barrel cleaning device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A barrel cleaning device and method of use are shown and described. The barrel cleaning device includes a cleaning rod having a first end and a second end. A slot located longitudinally through the cleaning rod. The second end of the cleaning rod is configured to connect to a handle. In one instance this is a threaded connection. In this instance the threading will correspond to threading located in the handle. The handle will connect to the cleaning rod. In one instance the first end of the cleaning rod is rounded.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/027,593 filed on May 20, 2020. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to firearm cleaning devices. More particularly, the present invention provides a firearm barrel cleaning device and method of use.

Firearm bores need to be cleaned after use, for safety and performance reasons. Some force must be applied to the inside of the bore to efficiently clean its surface. Existing cleaners exert some force, but the force is inherently limited and non-adjustable. Existing cleaners typically are swabs consisting of a cleaning patch of cotton material, typically a flat disc with a thickness of about ⅛ inch, attached to a pointed rod. Most are designed to move forward but do not move back and forth easily (typically the cloth disc binds when pulled back), and the user cannot apply outward pressure or force to better clean the bore. The initial outward force of the cleaning element within the bore begins to serially diminish throughout the cleaning process, as the cotton material becomes compacted. As a result, the cleaning process becomes less efficient the more it is repeated. eventually a new cleaning patch must be used. Another inherent challenge is that the cotton material typically contacts only a small fraction of the bore and simultaneously cannot move back and forth easily within the barrel due to the fact it binds within the bore when pulled back, requiring the user to push it all the way through the bore and then re-insert, repeating the process in the forward direction until the bore is clean. As a result, cleaning the bore is laborious, tedious and inefficient.

Consequently, there is a need for an improvement in the art of firearm cleaning. The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art while at the same time solves a problem many people face when cleaning firearms. In this regard the present invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a barrel cleaning device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when cleaning a firearm. The barrel cleaning device includes a cleaning rod having a first end and a second end. A slot located longitudinally through the middle of the cleaning rod. The second end of the cleaning rod is threaded. the threaded end of the cleaning rod corresponds to that of a handle. The handle will connect to the cleaning rod. In one instance the first end of the cleaning rod is rounded.

The method for using the barrel cleaning device includes connecting a cleaning rod to a handle. Inserting a patch into the slot of the cleaning rod. Rolling the patch around the cleaning rod. Inserting the cleaning rod into a barrel. Pushing the device through the barrel.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a barrel cleaning device.

FIG. 2 shows a right side view of an embodiment of the barrel cleaning device.

FIG. 3 shows a left side view of an embodiment of the barrel cleaning device.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the barrel cleaning device.

FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the barrel cleaning device.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of an embodiment of the barrel cleaning device.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the barrel cleaning device.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel cleaning device secured to a handle.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel cleaning device having a cleaning element thereon.

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of using the barrel cleaning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the barrel cleaning device and a method of use. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the barrel cleaning device and method of use. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1-FIG. 7, there are shown a various views of an embodiment of a barrel cleaning device. The barrel cleaning device 100 is comprised of a cleaning rod 101. The cleaning rod 101 is an elongated rod having a first end 101 a and a second end 101 b. In one embodiment the first end 101 a is a rounded end. This will make inserting the cleaning rod 101 into a barrel easier. The cleaning rod 101 may be of differing lengths and have different thicknesses. This will allow for different caliber and length barrels to be adequately cleaned.

The cleaning rod 101 has a slot 102 located therein. The slot 102 runs longitudinally along the cleaning rod 101. In one embodiment the slot 102 is almost the entire length of the cleaning rod 101. In another embodiment the slot 102 is only located in a portion of the cleaning rod 101. This will allow for cleaning elements of different sizes to be used. The slot will have rounded sidewalls 105. This will ensure that the cleaning rod 101 maintains its cylinder shape.

In one embodiment the second end 101 b is configured to be secured to a handle. In the shown embodiment the second end 101 b is threaded. This will allow the cleaning rod 101 to be threaded onto the handle. In other embodiments a different connection type may be used.

In one embodiment the cleaning rod 101 as a pair of flattened portions 103 located thereon. The flattened portions 103 will allow a user to grasp the cleaning rod 101. This will allow a user to screw the cleaning rod 101 to the handle. Another use will allow a user to hold the cleaning rod 101 while rolling a cleaning element thereon.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there are shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel cleaning device. In one embodiment the threaded end of the cleaning rod is configured to correspond with a handle 106. The handle 106 will allow the cleaning rod 101 to be better grasped. In one embodiment the handle 106 is fixedly attached to the cleaning rod 101. In yet another embodiment the cleaning rod 101 is rotatably fixed to the handle 106. This means that the cleaning rod 101 will be able to rotate without the handle 106 rotating.

In one embodiment the handle 106 is cylinder shaped. In another embodiment the handle 106 is T shaped. In yet another embodiment the handle 106 has gnarls 107 placed thereon. This will allow for a better grip of the handle 106 which will eliminate any slipping of the handle 106.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there are shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the Barrel Cleaning Device. A cleaning element 108 is wrapped around the cleaning rod 101. In one embodiment the cleaning element 108 is a piece of cloth, sometimes known as a patch. In another embodiment other cleaning elements may be used. In one embodiment the cleaning element 108 is a microfilament cleaning cloth. This cloth is specially designed to remove dirt, grease, and other grime. Further, this microfilament does not leave any residue behind such as that left by cotton.

In some embodiments the cleaning element 108 is cut to a specific sized based upon the diameter of the barrel to be cleaned. In one embodiment the cleaning element 108 is proportioned such that it will wrap around the cleaning rod and not overlap itself. This will prevent any lip from occurring, which would minimize contact with the barrel. In this embodiment the cleaning rod is also proportioned such that the entire combination will fit snuggly within the desired barrel creating a tight seal.

In the shown embodiment the cleaning element 108 is wrapped tightly around the cleaning rod 101. This will allow for the device to be easily inserted into a firearm's barrel 109. In different embodiments the cleaning element 108 is of different dimensions. In one embodiment the cleaning element 108 is the same length as the cleaning rod 101. In another embodiment as shown the cleaning element 108 is shorter than the full length of the cleaning rod 101.

In one embodiment once inserted the cleaning element 108 may be slightly unwound from the cleaning rod 101. This will allow for a pressure to be created within the barrel 109. This pressure will force the cleaning element 108 into the sides and rifling of the barrel 109. In another embodiment the cleaning element 108 and cleaning rod 101 can be left in the barrel for an extended period of time. In this embodiment the cleaning element may be soaking in a cleaning solvent first. This will ensure that the cleaning solvent is in contact with the barrel for an extended length of time.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there are shown a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of using the barrel cleaning device. The method begins after a firearm is safely checked to ensure it is not loaded and no ammunition has been lodged within any action of the firearm. Once safety has been ensured the firearm is disassembled. In one embodiment the method begins by connecting the cleaning rod as described above into the rod handle 201. In another embodiment the rod and handle are fixed together and thus the method begins at step two. The second step of the method is to insert a cleaning element into the cleaning rod slot 202. In this embodiment the cleaning element is described as a patch. However, other cleaning elements as described above may be substituted as part of this method.

Once the patch is inserted into the cleaning rod slot the patch is rolled around the cleaning rod 203. In one embodiment the next step is to apply cleaning solution to the patch 204. In another embodiment there is not solution applied directly to the patch. The next step is to insert the cleaning rod and the patch into the barrel to be cleaned 205. In one embodiment the rod will be rotated in a direction to ensure the patch stays tightly wound to the cleaning rod. This will ensure an easy insertion. Once fully in place, the rod is then twisted in the opposite direction. This will force the patch to unwind and be pressed into the sides of the barrel. This will ensure that the cleaning element is forced into the rifling within a firearm barrel.

In one embodiment the final step is to push the device through the barrel removing debris from the barrel 206. In another embodiment once the cleaning rod is inserted at least partially into the barrel a cleaning solution is poured down the opposite end of the barrel. The barrel is then plugged, most likely with a finger, and the rod is pushed into the barrel. This will create even more pressure ensuring more debris is removed from the barrel.

This method is meant to be repeated until the barrel is clean. In one embodiment the process is repeated however, the side of the barrel which the cleaning rod is inserted is alternated. In another embodiment the method is repeated but the patch is alternated from being inserted into the barrel dry and having a cleaning solution placed upon the patch. Other variations to the process may be incorporated to the user's preference.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A barrel cleaning device, the device comprises: a cleaning rod having a first end and a second end; a slot located longitudinally through the middle of the cleaning rod. 2) The barrel cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the second end of the cleaning rod is threaded. 3) The barrel cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the threaded end of the cleaning rod corresponds to that of a handle, which will connect to the cleaning rod. 4) The barrel cleaning device of claim 3, wherein the handle has gnarls thereon. 5) The barrel cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the first end of the cleaning rod is rounded. 6) A method for using a barrel cleaning device, the method comprises: connecting a cleaning rod to a handle; inserting a patch into a slot of the cleaning rod; rolling the patch around the cleaning rod; inserting the cleaning rod into a barrel; pushing the device through the barrel. 7) The method for using a barrel cleaning device of claim 6, further comprising applying cleaning solution to the patch. 8) The method for using a barrel cleaning device of claim 6, further comprising placing cleaning solution within the barrel after the cleaning rod has been inserted. 9) The method for using a barrel cleaning device of claim 8, further comprising forcing the device through the barrel creating pressure therein. 10) The method for using a barrel cleaning device of claim 6, further comprising twisting the cleaning rod, wherein the patch will loosen from around the cleaning rod and tighten against the barrel. 